Crafty Christmas

We were busy this holiday season with homemade trinkets and goodies.  I think two of my favorite crafts included paper plate wreaths and craft paper gift holders.  

The wreaths are toddler friendly with parent assistance and most preschoolers could assemble with little or no help.  We modeled this craft after something that Little Man did at school.  They made a perfect decoration to donate to a local nursing home.  What you will you need:

Punch a hole at the top for the string

Cut out the middle

Green construction paper
(Ripped in varying sizes)

 

Glue green pieces on first
(We used 3 red circles for holly and a red bow)

Next up, decorative gift holders made from scrap booking paper.  I thought this would be adorable for W's teachers.  I got the idea from the vlog Whats Up Moms on Youtube DIY Easy Christmas Gifts (her description starts around 2 minutes and 25 seconds).  I should have listened to her and went to Michael's but Target is closer.... so scrap booking paper it is.  I am sure the translucent paper is easier to manipulate.  What you will need:

Translucent scrapbook paper I used 12 x 12
(Must be a square)

Roll the paper to create a cone and tape to hold in place

I put a piece of tissue paper in the bottom to fill some space and reinforce the tip

Filler: Candy would be a great (use a smaller square for just candy such as an 8 x 8)
(I used the larger square because I was also putting in a
mini hand sanitizer and lip balm from Ulta's $1 door busters)

I put a piece of tissue paper on top the gift to help hold the items in place
and prevent them from falling out

Use a one hole punch to punch a hole in the top corner
Fold the top down to see where the second hole should be punched
Make a hole 1/4 inch to the right of the second hole
Thread twine or ribbon through the two holes

Once threaded through the bottom 2 holes,
thread through top hole and pull closed so the paper folds over

Add a gift tag or decorative embellishment

Tie in a bow and post that Pinteresty success on Instagram!
(Since these were a gift for W's teachers he decorated them with Christmas stickers)

Happy Crafting!

Christmas Concert

You know what is cuter than 30 preschoolers with garland halos dressed in their holiday best...

when they have instruments and sing Jingle Bells!

Little Man had his first holiday concert, and I must say it was adorable.  They sang about 5 songs and recited a poem.  It seems like I blinked and he was all grown up clashing symbols and introducing me to all his friends.  He was so joyful and proud.  He has been singing his songs since before Thanksgiving and I am so glad I was able to rearrange my finals to make it this evening!

Festive Fun

My new favorite impulse buy came from Hallmark last week.  It is an assortment of Rudolph character props.

It is clearly fun for the whole family and a much more enjoyable pass time than prepping for finals.

Being Thankful

We had a small gathering at the house this year, but between my mom's new china and some traditions I wanted to start this year, it was a very merry Pinterest Thanksgiving.

I busted out the Thankful Tree again, and it was really nice to see all of the blessings we celebrated last year.  It is exciting to watch the tree expand as more leaves get added.  It is a beautiful reminder of all the joy that surrounds us.

In the spirit of being thankful, I also wanted to begin a thankful tablecloth.  A very similar concept to the thankful tree.  Year after year, you can pull the cloth out and while sharing a meal, everyone can go around the table and relive blessings from years past.

It was a enjoyable holiday and a treat to spend it surrounded by love, family, good food, and a little baileys in my coffee...  I am hoping to carry this thankful spirit into the holidays with a focus on giving instead of getting.  

Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving!

Bengtson's Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend, we had a visit from Little Man's grandparents so naturally we tried to cram in as much activity as possible.  There was an abundance of food and fun to last for the next 3 weekends.  We spent one of the beautiful fall days at Bengtson's enjoying the tractors, pumpkins, and kiddie rides.  I am so glad we had the chance to spend last weekend outdoors, especially since I saw snowflakes on Halloween morning.  Sigh, not ready to trade fall fashion for parkas.

Grandpa teaching W all about the tractors he had growing up!

Checking them out carefully...

Peek-A-Boo, I'll find you.

We have a winner!

Holiday Card Preview

Just a few photos from the weekend.  I was hoping to get a few shots to use for a holiday card this year, tell me what you think?!

Just kidding, these are my favorite outtakes!  Thank you Mom for helping me reign this character in and patiently put up with me while I tinker with settings and pose us all around the perimeter of the house.

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone had a very Happy Halloween!  It was too cold to trick or treat by us this year so we stayed in and passed out candy and played some board games.  My jewel miner did not seem to mind.  Afterall, he did get 7 bags of candy trick or treating at school.